The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced an upcoming forest management project on the 715-acre Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area in the Town of Milan, Dutchess County. The project will improve forest health and resilience on approximately 92 acres with the goal of altering the property’s composition of tree species over the long term to favor oak, a keystone species, while removing unhealthy trees. 

“Responsible forest management considers how each forest fits into the larger landscape to enhance biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resiliency,” said DEC Regional Director Kelly Turturro. “DEC’s project at the Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area will establish a healthier, more sustainable forest that remains an asset to the town of Milan and a benefit to the local economy.” 

The Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area (MUA) offers large undeveloped areas well suited for hiking and nature viewing and is a popular destination for hunting. The five-acre Wilbur Pond is open to fishing and paddling. 

Beginning in June, DEC will thin the MUA’s tree canopy to approximately 50% cover to deliver sunlight to oak seedlings already growing in the understory. Trees slated for removal include fast-growing species such as birch, maple, and ironwood that are currently outcompeting young oaks, as well as dead or dying trees impacted by recent droughts and the invasive forest pest, spongy moth. This reduction of competing tree species and a resulting increase in sunlight reaching the forest floor will help boost the existing oak regeneration to outcompete less desirable species. 

The healthiest oaks will remain as shelter and seed sources for the next generation. Downed branches and woody debris will be left on-site to create dense young forest cover that provides critical habitat for native wildlife and Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including the New England Cottontail. 

The harvest will be conducted by Trained Logger Certified loggers to ensure the implementation of best management practices and minimal site impacts. The forest products that will be generated from this project were sold to a local sawmill through a competitive public bidding process. 

This project follows the Strategic Plan for State Forest Management, a science-based blueprint that underwent full environmental review to ensure long-term ecosystem benefits. The SPSFM guides the management decisions of the state's almost 830,000 acres of State Forests, Multiple Use Areas, Unique Areas, and State Nature and Historical Preserves. 

For questions, comments, or concerns please contact Matthew Paul, Senior Forester by email: matthew.paul@dec.ny.gov or by phone: (845) 256-3156.